Tara Kannangara

JUNO-nominated artist, Tara Kannangara is meshing Pop, Electronic/Synth music, Jazz, and Musical Theatre, into a singular voice that is captivating audiences all over North America.

 Growing up in Chilliwack, BC, she studied classical piano and voice from an early age. She then serendipitously picked up the trumpet in high school at first focusing on classical before moving into Jazz and other genres. Tara studied at the University of Victoria for classical trumpet and vocals but later moved to Toronto to pursue music at the University of Toronto where she came into her own as a performer and songwriter. Tara has melded everything she’s learned into genre-bending music that will make you cry, dance, smile and feel everything in between.

“Tara Kannangara is a wonderful young artist with a prodigious musical gifts and a remarkably mature creative vision. Her music is packed with ideas, and yet it flows along with a natural warmth and elegance. She’s got a rare and special combination of assets: her songs are full of soul and wit, her improvisations are graceful and lyrical, and she’s a sparkling performer.   I can’t wait to hear what she does next!”

-Mark Rheaume, – CBC Radio

“There is a new album to come out later this year, and one can only imagine where this artist will be in a few year’s time. The triple threat vocals, trumpet, and song-writing, along with something say in music, is a recipe for a long and rewarding career.”

–CBC MUSIC  35 Best Canadian jazz artists under 35 list

“Tara has the goods to back up the ambitious scope of her musical projects: clarion voice, solid lyrics, heavy trumpet chops and the kind of depth and sincerity that will keep you interested and wanting to dig deeper into what it is she’s offering.”

-Vijay Iyer – Grammy-nominated pianist and composer

“Tara’s commitment to music is equally beautiful as it is inspiring and refreshing. I am totally a fan of hers now and forever. I look forward to the ride she takes us on. An Artist!!”

–Ambrose Akinmusire – Trumpet player and composer, 2007 winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition

“This is the kind of jazz aficionados should prefer…whether it’s as a singer or trumpeter (and I can’t decide in which role I prefer her, so strong are these performances), Kannangara is always in service of the song.“